1827 50C Capped Bust PCGS AU Detail- Genuine Cleaned Square Base 2

Key Features:

• Obverse:
  • Displays Lady Liberty facing left, wearing a cap inscribed with “LIBERTY.” Her bust is draped in fabric, and 13 stars encircle the top of the design, representing the original 13 colonies. The date 1827 appears at the bottom.
• Reverse:
  • Features a heraldic eagle with a shield on its chest, clutching arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing strength and peace. Above the eagle’s head is a ribbon inscribed with the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “50C” appear around the eagle, indicating the coin’s denomination.
• Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper.
• Diameter: 32.5 mm.
• Weight: 13.48 grams.

Variety:

• Square Base 2:
  • The Square Base 2 variety refers to the specific design of the numeral 2 in the date “1827.” This variety is differentiated from others by the base of the “2” having a flat, square appearance rather than a curved or slanted form.
  • This variety is one of several known for the 1827 half dollars and is of interest to collectors who seek out specific die varieties and types within the Capped Bust series.

Grade:

• PCGS AU Detail – Genuine Cleaned:
  • This designation indicates that the coin is genuine but has been cleaned at some point, which prevents it from receiving a straight numerical grade. Cleaning can diminish the original surface and natural toning of a coin, which generally lowers its value in the eyes of collectors.
  • AU Detail (About Uncirculated) suggests that the coin retains most of its original mint luster and sharp details, but with slight wear on the highest points of the design, such as Liberty’s cheek and the eagle’s feathers. However, because it has been cleaned, its surfaces may show signs of abrasion or a loss of natural patina, reducing its overall aesthetic appeal.

Historical Context:

• The Capped Bust Half Dollar series was minted from 1807 to 1839, a time when the United States was still solidifying its presence in world commerce. The half dollar was a critical denomination in the U.S. economy, used widely in domestic trade.
• Coins like the 1827 Capped Bust Half Dollar were minted using screw presses, with dies hand-engraved, resulting in numerous varieties and errors that are highly collectible today.
• The Capped Bust design, by John Reich, was intended to be more classical and elegant than earlier designs, and it remained in use on half dollars for over three decades.

Mintage & Scarcity:

• Mintage: The 1827 Capped Bust Half Dollar had a relatively modest mintage of 5,493,400 coins, but due to circulation, surviving examples—especially in higher grades—are less common today.
• Varieties: Collectors seek out varieties such as the Square Base 2, which are important for die variety enthusiasts and those who specialize in early American coinage.

Conclusion:

The 1827 50C Capped Bust PCGS AU Detail – Genuine Cleaned (Square Base 2) is a desirable piece of early American coinage, even with its cleaned condition. The Square Base 2 variety makes it especially interesting for collectors of varieties within the Capped Bust series. Despite being cleaned, it still retains strong appeal due to its detailed design, historical importance, and relative scarcity. Collectors who appreciate early U.S. silver coinage may find this coin to be an affordable entry point into the world of Capped Bust Half Dollars.

G-4 Good- Date and Letters legible. Bust worn smooth with outline distinct.

VG-8 Very Good- LIBERTY faint. Legends distinguishable. Clasp at shoulder visible; curl above it nearly smooth.

F-12 Fine– Clasp and adjacent curl clearly outlined with slight details.

VF– Very Fine– Clasp at shoulder clear. Wear visible on highest point of curl. Hair over brow distinguishable.

EF-20 Extremely Fine- Clasp and adjacent fairly sharp. Brow and hair above distinct. Curls well defined.

AU-50 About Uncirculated- Trace of wear on hair over eye and over ear.

MS-60 Uncirculated- No Trace of wear. Light blemishes. Possible slide marks from storage handling.

MS-63 Choice Uncirculated- Some distracting contact marks or blemishes in prime focal areas. Impaired luster possible.